Chili bean casserole

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
½poundsUncooked red kidney beans
2pintsWater
1tablespoonOlive oil
1largeOnion, finely chopped
1eachGarlic clove, pressed
½poundsMixed vegetables*
½teaspoonBasil
½teaspoonCumin
¼teaspoonCayenne pepper
1tablespoonChili powder
14ouncesTomatoes, chopped finely+
2tablespoonsTomato paste
3tablespoonsRed wine++
2ouncesBulgur wheat+++
pintStock
2tablespoonsLemon juice
Salt & pepper

Directions

Soak beans. Drain & rinse well. Bring to boil in fresh water & boil fast for 10 minutes. Reduce heat & cook for 40 minutes, depending upon the freshness of the beans. Older beans will take longer to cook. Drain, reserving the liquid for stock later.

Heat the olive oil in a large pot, gently fry the onion & garlic for a few minutes. Add the chopped vegetables, cooked beans, basil & spices. Stir well & cook for 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, bulgur wheat & 1 pint of the stock. Bring to a boil, cover the pot, reduce heat & simmer gently for 30 minutes. Add the lemon juice & the rest of the seasonings. Add more stock if necessary.

Cook for a further 20 minutes. Serve.

* Use a mixture of carrots, bell peppers, celery + Either fresh or canned tomatoes will work ++ You can omit the wine or substitute with a little tomato juice or extra

stock

+++ If you can't get bulgur wheat, try using brown rice Adapted from Sarah Brown, "Vegetarian Kitchen"